This research aimed to examine the possible effectiveness of treatment with a freshly formulated new probiotic versus Phaleria macrocarpa leaves extract indicated by the histopathological changes occurred to the colon of the immunocompromised New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. The study included 40 rabbits, divided into 4 groups. Three of the groups were fed with the immunosuppressive medication (azathioprine, 500 mg/kg/day) to be immunocompromised, Group B was treated with P. macrocarpa extract, Group Ctreated with our developed probiotic, and the group D left untreated as a positive control, Group A regarded as control negative. The duration of immunocompromising drug induction was set as 14 days; and the period of treatment was set for another 14 days. Distinctly, the treated rabbits were showing improvements of healing processes compared to non-treated, where the signs of lack of normal mucous folds, different degrees of mucosal edema and congestion, submucosal hemorrhage, accumulati.....

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It is generally believed that a rail transit system plays a pivotal role in increasing land values, and subsequently, residential property values. Despite this general belief, there is considerably little empirical research on the impact of urban light rail transit systems on residential property values in developing countries setting. This study, therefore, investigates the impact of proximity to urban light rail transit on double-story terraced property values in the Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using hedonic pricing model. The findings suggest there is a statistically positive and significant impact of urban rail transit on surrounding double-story terraced residential property values-estimated at a premium of 12.3% and 9.8% for properties located up to 1000 m and 1001-2000 m to the nearest light rail transit station respectively. The findings of the study are useful for investors and developers, namely to build more houses near urban rail transit infrastructure since they lead t.....

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Research shows that the number of Malaysian upper secondary school students electing geography as a study choice and their achievement level in the subject has declined. One reason appears to be a lack of motivation to study geography. However, limited research has been conducted to explore the impact of geographic information system (GIS) integrated teaching on underachieving geography students? intrinsic motivation. The current study applied a mixed-method model to investigate this issue. Quantitative data were gathered through a quasi-experimental design, while qualitative data were collected through interviews with students. The treatment group included 44 students, with a control group of 40 students. A unit on type and distribution of world vegetation with GIS-integrated lesson material was given to the treatment group students. The same material was presented to the control group using conventional teaching methods. The quantitative data analysis revealed that the post-test mean.....

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This study was aims to evaluate the impact of ecotourism on the water quality in the Sedim River Recreation Centre, Kulim Kedah, Malaysia. Ecotourism activity development, such as chalet construction, homestay, recreation for picnics, kayaking and proper disposal of solid wastes in the area, will affect the quality of Sedim River. The period of this study was conducted between February to April 2018, with six time water sampling during this period. Sample water quality was then analysed using the Water Quality Index (WQI) in situ and in the laboratory, as set by the Malaysian Department of Environment. Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3N), pH and Suspended Solid (SS) were used as water quality parameters. The findings show that the value of WQI Sedim River is in Class I and II, with WQI=92.3 as an average value that safe for raw water supply, suitable for fish rearing and water activities such as water rafting and.....

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Despite a large amount of research on depression and abuse, there is still a controversy on how abuse is measured and on childhood trauma's effect on the physiological function of adults. Here, we attempt to clarify the relationship between different types of abuse and depression while focusing on childhood abuse. This article, unlike prior research, provides an overview that addresses physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and their psychological impact on the victims. Results show that abuse is a vulnerability factor for a variety of mental and physical health problems and that psychological abuse is strongly associated with depression. More research is needed to understand (a) the role of abuse in the development and maintenance of depression and, in particular, longitudinal studies that also account for the large number of risk and protective factors that influence this relationship and (b) how different types of abuse can influence response to treatment among survivors with dep.....

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In rural areas of Sabah, Malaysia, the groundwater source is the only water supply for domestic consumption. Therefore, the monitoring of groundwater quality is essential to adhere to the standards by Malaysia's Department of Environment. This article seeks to evaluate the groundwater quality through the quantitative analysis, and the sampling carried out between January and March 2019. Among national water quality standards sampled including dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia nitrogen, and total suspended solids. The result showed that the chemical oxygen demand was above the standards, >197mg/l (Station 5) and fall into Class V. However, the index of water quality for all stations indicate Class II with the lowest in Station 5 (80 per cent) and the highest in Station 6 (90 per cent). All stations showed clean category except for Station 5 (moderately polluted). This study also implicates that the water quality assessment could act as a tool in monitoring the groundwater. ? 2021 Author(s)......

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The objective of this study is to investigate Napa soil?s potential as an alternative additive in producing Portland composite cement. The Napa soil of Tanah Datar district, West Sumatra, Indonesia is a natural material which contains SiO2 and Al2O3 as its major components. The parameters used were the fineness of the cement particles, the amount left on a 45 �m sieve, the setting time, normal consistency, loss on ignition, insoluble parts, compressive strength and chemical composition. The composition of Napa soils (% w/w) used as variables include 4, 8, 12 and 16%. Furthermore, 8% pozzolan was used as a control in this research. The results showed that the compressive strength of Napa soil cement which contained 4% Napa soil was much better compared to that of the control on the 7th and 20th day. Furthermore, all the analyzed Napa soil cements met the standard of cement as stipulated in Indonesian National Standard, SNI 7064, 2016. ? 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switz.....

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It is important to educate financial literacy to pre-service teachers to manage their money well and to disseminate the knowledge to their students. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of MOOC in promoting financial literacy among pre-service teachers. This paper also examines the correlation among the variables of financial literacy, collaborative skills, problem-solving, accountability, and decision-making. Pre-service teachers' views were discussed after attending the MOOC. The study adopted a mixed-method research design. A total of 100 pre-service teachers were selected through a random-sampling technique to participate in the survey. A purposive sampling technique was used to pick five of the participants for the follow-up interview. The quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analyzed on the basis of content analysis. The quantitative method yielded favourable descriptive statistics; and they also show.....

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This study aimed to examine the effects of unilateral versus bilateral resistance training and bilateral deficit on unilateral and bilateral strength adaptation among trained men. Thirty recreationally active, resistance trained men were recruited and were divided into three groups; i) unilateral (n=10), ii) bilateral (n=10) and iii) control (n=10). Chest press and biceps curl strength tests were conducted unilaterally and bilaterally before and after six weeks of training intervention. Unilateral bicep curl and chest press training was given to the unilateral group while the bilateral group was asked to undergo bilateral bicep curl and chest press training. 1RM bicep curl and chest press tests were measured unilateral and bilateral strength and bilateral deficit before and after the intervention. The intervention period were six weeks. Mixed design (ANOVA) was used to compare strength during pre- and post-test in groups while MANOVA was used to compare the changes in percentage during.....

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Low consumption of vegetables in children is a concern around the world, hence approaches aimed at increasing intake are highly relevant. Previous studies have shown that repeated taste exposure is an effective strategy to increase vegetable acceptance. However, few studies have examined the effect of repeated taste exposure on children varying in bitter taste sensitivity. This study investigated the influence of taste genotypes and phenotypes on the effects of repeated taste exposure to a Brassica vegetable. 172 preschool children aged 3?5 years were recruited into this study. Turnip was selected as the target vegetable and parents completed a questionnaire to ensure unfamiliarity. During the intervention, children were exposed to steamed-pureed turnip for 10 days (once/day). Intake and liking were measured before, during and after the intervention, and a follow-up was done 3 months post-intervention. Taste genotypes (TAS2R38 and gustin (CA6) genotypes) and taste phenotypes (PROP tast.....

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